The Transfer Tavern

Emery must start Torreira in both Arsenal’s upcoming Europa League clash and in the future

Central midfield has been a problem at Arsenal for some time now with Granit Xhaka yet to win over supporters of the north London club.

And it is an area of the pitch that new boss Unai Emery had clearly identified as a weakness having decided to bring in both Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira in the summer.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Guendouzi has started life in the Premier League well and has impressed in the appearances he has made so far. Torreira, on the other hand, has yet to make much of an impact — although that could change in the upcoming weeks.

The Breakdown

According to the Daily Mail, Torreira will audition for a regular spot in the Arsenal starting XI on Thursday with Emery set to hand the Uruguayan his first start of the season when the Gunners take on Vorskla Poltava in the club’s Europa League group stage opener.

And the 22-year-old is exactly the kind of player Arsenal have been lacking for years now.

Under Arsene Wenger in recent seasons, the north London club were often criticised for how soft they could look at times in defence and the lack of steel they possessed in the middle of the park.

However, in both Guendouzi and £27m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Torreira, they now look like they have a couple of players who will improve them in that area.

Guendouzi has already been making a bunch of tackles and interceptions since his debut against Manchester City back in August, while Torreira has brought an aggressiveness to midfield in his cameos for the club thus far.

Ultimately, going forward, a pivot of Guendouzi and Torreira could be the way to go, and Thursday may provide the opportunity for Arsenal supporters to see it from the get-go.